2. SIPOC Diagram
Bradlee J. Watson
MBA Student of Global Supply Chain Management
Marriott School of Management
Brigham Young University
3. 1. Welcome and Introductions
2. SIPOC Defined
3. How can SIPOC be used?
4. How It Works
5. An Example
6. In-class Exercise
7. Summary
Class Agenda
4. SIPOC is an acronym standing for
1. S = Supplier(s)
2. I = Input(s) & key requirements
3. P = Process
4. O = Output(s) & key requirements
5. C = Customer(s)
SIPOC Defined
5. • A SIPOC Diagram is a visual representation
of a high-level process map; including
suppliers & inputs into the process and
outputs & customers of the process
• Visually communicates the scope of a project
SIPOC Diagram Defined
6. • SIPOC Diagrams help a team and its
sponsor(s) agree on project boundaries and
scope
• A SIPOC helps teams verify that
• inputs match outputs of upstream processes
• outputs match inputs of downstream processes
How can SIPOC be used?
7. How can SIPOC be used in
your organization?
Brainstorming Exercise
9. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 1: Begin with the high-level process map
10. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 2: List all of the outputs from the process
Examples
Services
Products
Reports
Metrics
Raw data
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
11. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 3: Identify the customers receiving the
outputs
Examples
Services
Products
Reports
Metrics
Raw data
Examples
Internal
External
Vendors
End users
Management
Downstream Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
12. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 4: List all of the inputs into the process
Examples
Services
Products
Reports
Metrics
Raw data
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Examples
Data
Parts
Application
Raw
materials
Examples
Internal
External
Vendors
End users
Management
Downstream Process
13. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 5: Identify the suppliers of the process
inputs
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Examples
Data
Parts
Application
Raw
materials
Examples
Services
Products
Reports
Metrics
Raw data
Examples
Internal
External
Vendors
Producers
Management
Upstream Process
Examples
Internal
External
Vendors
End users
Management
Downstream Process
15. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 1: Begin with the high-level process map
Clean-up &
Removal
Prepare Lawn
for mowing
Mow the
Lawn
Trim the
Lawn
16. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 2: List all of the outputs from the process
• Debris
from lawn
Clean-up &
Removal
Prepare Lawn
for mowing
Mow the
Lawn
Trim the
Lawn
• Beautiful
lawn
• Bagged
grass
clippings
• Happy
customer
17. Clean-up &
Removal
• Happy
customer
Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 3: Identify the customers receiving the
output
• Debris
from lawn
Prepare Lawn
for mowing
Mow the
Lawn
Trim the
Lawn
• Beautiful
lawn
• Bagged
grass
clippings
• Homeowner
• Yard waste
recycler
18. Clean-up &
Removal
• Happy
customer
Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 4: List all of the inputs into the process
• Debris
from lawn
Prepare Lawn
for mowing
Mow the
Lawn
Trim the
Lawn
• Beautiful
lawn
• Bagged
grass
clippings
• Homeowner
• Yard waste
recycler
• Yard
waste bags
• Lawn-
mower
• Trimmer
• Gasoline
• Rake &
broom
• Long lawn
19. Clean-up &
Removal
• Happy
customer
Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 5: Identify the suppliers of the process
inputs
• Debris
from lawn
Prepare Lawn
for mowing
Mow the
Lawn
Trim the
Lawn
• Beautiful
lawn
• Bagged
grass
clippings
• Homeowner
• Yard waste
recycler
• Yard
waste bags
• Lawn-
mower
• Trimmer
• Gasoline
• Rake &
broom
• Long lawn
• Home
Depot
• Chevron
• Homeowner
21. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 1: Begin with your high-level process
map (Keep to 4-5 process steps)
22. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 2: Brainstorm all of the outputs from the
process
List process
outputs
List key
output
requirements
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
23. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 3: Identify the customers receiving the
outputs
List customers
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
List process
outputs
List key
output
requirements
24. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 4: Brainstorm all of the inputs into the
process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
List process
outputs
List key
output
requirements
List customersList process
inputs
List key
input
requirements
25. Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Step 5: Identify the suppliers of the process
inputs
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
List process
inputs
List key
input
requirements
List process
outputs
List key
output
requirements
List customersList suppliers
26. What we covered today
1. Defined SIPOC
2. Discussed how SIPOC can be used
3. Showed how it works
4. Demonstrated an example
5. Completed an in-class exercise
Summary
27. Michael L. George, David Rowlands, Mark Price, John Maxey. The Lean Six Sigma
Pocket Toolbook. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.
Scott A Laman, Elizabeth Burns, Kathy L Lynn. ASQ Certification Board Puts
Quality Tools to Work. Quality Progress. Milwaukee: Mar 2007. Vol. 40, Iss. 3; pg.
54, 9 pgs
Kerri Simon. SIPOC Diagram. http://www.isixsigma.com/library/content/c010429a.asp
Bryan Carey and J. DeLayne Stroud. SIPOC Leads to Process Mapping and Project
Selection. http://finance.isixsigma.com/library/content/c060322a.asp
David Rasmusson. The SIPOC Picture Book: A Visual Guide to the SIPOC/DMAIC
Relationship. Wisconsin: Oriel Incorporated, 2006.
Reference Materials
Editor's Notes
Class Preparation materials:
Butcher paper to post on the walls. One large piece for each 5-8 person team expected in the class. Large = 3’ X 2’. Post these blank sheets on the wall before class.
2. Sticky notes, at least one pad for each team.
3. Sharpie pens for each team.
4. Tape to attach charts to the walls.
5. Flipchart for instructor, with pens. Chalkboard or whiteboard will work if a flipchart is not available.
Class Agenda
Welcome and Introductions (spend a few minutes to get to know the class & their needs)
On a flipchart, capture what each student would like to get out of the class. Post the flipchart on the wall. Refer back to it at the end of class to make sure all questions/ideas have been addressed.
SIPOC Defined (2 slides)
How can SIPOC be used in your organization? (2 slide)
How It Works (6 slides)
An Example (6 slides)
In-class Exercise (6 slides)
Summary (1 slide)
SIPOC is a simple acronym.
The SIPOC Diagram is the tool that holds the real power to convey meaning and understanding.
A SIPOC Diagram is a communication tool.
It visually documents a process.
A high-level process map shows only the major steps of a process. Detailed steps come later, in the Measure phase if you are using DMAIC.
It provides a fact-based process description as a basis for understanding “current state”
It is a simple diagram for identifying the basic elements of a process (boundaries, suppliers, inputs, process steps, outputs, and customers)
SIPOC is a good tool for translating customer requirements into input & output requirements and identifying related Key Process Input & Output Variables (KPIVs & KPOVs)
SIPOC establishes project scope and should be referred back to in later project phases to ensure adherence to scope & eliminate scope creep.
Be very clear about where the process starts and where the process ends. This should align with and help define your project scope.
SIPOC can be used to define the scope and boundaries of your project. It helps communicate inside and outside an organization.
If a project scope has already been defined, SIPOC can validate the accuracy of the scope.
If you are following the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) problem-solving methodology, SIPOC is introduced in the Define phase of the project
Break into small groups of 3-4 people. Take 5-8 minutes and brainstorm how, when, and where SIPOC can be used in your organization.
Have each group briefly report back on their discussion.
SIPOC is a precursor to creating more detailed process maps and value-stream maps
Key point on forming a team to develop a SIPOC Diagram: Involve a cross-section of those who work with the process to create the diagram. No single person will have all the process knowledge you need.
To construct a SIPOC diagram, begin with a high level process map, usually consisting of four to five steps. Then list outputs of the process, followed by the customers who receive the outputs. Then turn your attention to the front end of the SIPOC, with a listing of the inputs to the process and their suppliers. (ASQ Certification Board Puts Quality Tools to Work. Scott A Laman, Elizabeth Burns, Kathy L Lynn. Quality Progress. Milwaukee: Mar 2007. Vol. 40, Iss. 3; pg. 54, 9 pgs)
Reminder: Be very clear about where the process starts and where the process ends. This should align with and help define your project scope.
Keep the process map to the highest level. Don’t be tempted to dive too deeply into process steps at this point. Keep it to 4-5 steps.
The process you choose for your project may be a subset of a larger process or a standalone process.
Start by brainstorming with the team about outputs.
Outputs can also include requirements. For example, each product produced may have a tolerance level to meet quality requirements.
If you have a lot of outputs, focus on the critical few.
List the outputs on the diagram.
Getting started the right way is critical - properly identifying suppliers and customers is necessary, using SIPOC can help identify the players
Next, identify those people or processes that receive the output.
Take special note of any downstream processes, do the outputs of this process match the inputs of the downstream process?
List the customers on the diagram.
Now we turn our attention to the process inputs.
Inputs can also include requirements. For example, raw materials may have a purity level to meet quality requirements.
If you have a lot of inputs, focus on the critical few.
List the inputs on the diagram.
Finally, identify the people, systems, or upstream processes that supply the inputs.
Take special note of any upstream process, do the inputs of this process match the outputs of the upstream process?
List the suppliers on the diagram.
Mowing the lawn = Prepare lawn for mowing -> Mow lawn -> Trim lawn -> Clean-up & removal
Other examples that could be used as illustrations:
Delivering newspapers = Prepare papers for delivery -> Deliver papers -> Collect payments
Taking Wedding photos = Prepare location -> Take photographs -> Develop photographs -> Deliver photographs
Changing motor oil & parts = Receive incoming vehicles -> Drain oil & remove old filter -> Install new filter & refill oil -> Complete transaction & return vehicle
This is an animated slide - 4 clicks to display the process
Reminder: Be very clear about where the process starts and where the process ends. This should align with and help define your project scope.
Keep the process map to the highest level. Don’t be tempted to dive too deeply into process steps at this point. Keep it to 4-5 steps.
Note that selecting a lawn or negotiating with a homeowner are outside the scope of our example process.
This is an animated slide - 5 clicks to dissolve the arrow an display the 4 outputs
Click through the outputs, discussing briefly.
Point out the possible output requirements, such as the lawn must be 3 inches long or grass clippings must be put in a recyclable bag.
This is an animated slide - 3 clicks to dissolve the arrow and display the 2 customers
Click through the customers, discussing briefly.
This is an animated slide - 7 clicks to dissolve the arrow and display the inputs
Click through the inputs, discussing briefly.
Point out the possible input requirements, such as the lawn must be 4 inches long or the gasoline must be unleaded and mixed with oil.
This is an animated slide - 4 clicks to dissolve arrow and display the suppliers
Click through the suppliers, discussing briefly.
Let’s create a SIPOC for an in-flight or planned project in your organization.
Break the group into teams of 5-8 people. Pass out Sharpies and Sticky Notes to each team. Assign each team one of the blank pieces of butcher paper, which have previously been taped to the walls.
Brainstorm a project that you would like to use for this exercise. Remember, the process you choose can be a subset of a larger process. Take 4-5 minutes.
Begin with your high-level process map. On the large butcher paper on the walls, draw a SIPOC diagram skeleton. Using the sticky notes, write each step on a different sticky note and place the process steps on the diagram. Draw in the arrows on the paper or on sticky notes.
Be very clear about where the process starts and where the process ends. This should align with your project scope.
Remember to keep with high-level process steps. Detailed process steps come later.
As a team, brainstorm all of the outputs from the process. Write each output on a sticky note and place them on the output column on the diagram.
Brainstorm key output requirements that need to be accounted for. Place each one on a sticky note and align the key requirements to the corresponding output.
Think of downstream processes, have you identified all of the inputs for those processes?
If you have a lot of outputs, focus on the critical few.
As a team, brainstorm all of the customers of the process. Write each customer on sticky note and place them on the Customer column on the diagram.
Remember the downstream processes.
As a team, brainstorm all of the inputs into the process. Write each input on a sticky note and place them on the input column on the diagram.
Brainstorm key input requirements that need to be accounted for. Place each one on a sticky note and align the key requirements to the corresponding input.
Think of upstream processes, have you identified all of the outputs for those processes?
If you have a lot of inputs, focus on the critical few.
As a team, brainstorm all of the suppliers of the process. Write each supplier on sticky note and place them on the Supplier column on the diagram.
Remember the upstream processes.
Summary
What we covered today (Review any items as needed)
Defined SIPOC
Discussed how SIPOC can be used
Showed how it works
Discussed an example
Completed an in-class exercise
Refer to flipchart of what the students wanted to get out of the class. Were all of the items covered? Answer & discuss any item that was not covered in the course material.
